7 advantages of installing a photovoltaic system

Going green is all the rage right now and for good reason. Reducing the environmental impact your home has can also be cost
effective. For example, using energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs will cut
your electricity bill as well as the frequency with which you have to purchase
new bulbs.

Another increasingly popular means of going green is with the help
of domestic photovoltaic systems, also known as solar panels. Typically, solar
panels are installed to the roof of your home, where they harness solar
energy that can then be converted into electricity.

It’s really amazing what
wonders these can do in terms of reducing your home’s carbon footprint and your
dependence on unsustainable resources, all while ultimately saving you money. If
this idea has piqued your interest, but you aren’t so sure what’s involved in
acquiring a domestic photovoltaic system, read on!

How they work & why they’re convenient

Perhaps you’ve seen solar panels on the roofs of some homes or garages. They may have made you a little curious, but how many people
actually know how these things work?

Essentially, the panels pictured
above are equipped with the technology to convert sunlight into electricity. More
scientifically, the panels capture the light particles (also known as photons) radiating onto the earth’s surface. On a molecular level, when these particles
hit the solar panels they release electrons. This creates a kind of electrical
current that can then be converted into a more usable form.

For maximum effect, solar panels ought to be placed in sunny spots—hence why they are typically situated on
the roof. This process is renewable, and better yet, it doesn’t create waste products that
are harmful to the environment. Photovoltaic systems will help save you money by cutting your dependence on conventional sources of electricity.

The costs

You may be thinking this all seems a bit too good to be true. After all, solar panels are not only great for the environment, but
they can significantly cut electricity bills. So what’s the catch? Well, they
are not exactly cheap to purchase – the initial cost for a photovoltaic system can run to hundreds or
even thousands of dollars.

Still, they make an excellent investment as they can
literally cut the costs of your electricity bill in half. You will definitely
wind up breaking even and then some. It is likely that solar panels will grow
cheaper over time – remember, they are still a relatively new development. We're willing to bet
that in the next decade their costs will be dramatically reduced.

When to go solar

If you’re wondering when it’s a good time to add solar panels to your roof, we don’t suggest waiting for years until the costs come
down. This is such a wise investment and its benefits to the environment are so
substantial that we think you should install solar panels as soon as you have
the means. Unfortunately, the environment is deteriorating at an alarming rate.
We must all do as much as we can to provide a brighter future for our children!

Where to install it

Musterhaus Mannheim 159

As mentioned above, installing solar panels on the roof is ideal because it has the most direct contact with sunlight. As we can
see in this eco-friendly home by Licht-Design Skapetze GmBH & Co.KG, the photovoltaic system is quite thin.
Though the look might take some getting used to, we actually find them quite
trendy when placed well.

If you’re unsure about
the best spot to situate your solar panels, you can always consult an
installation professional as to where they might work best on your property.

The photovoltaic lifespan

If you’re going to make the investment, these panels ought to have some longevity. Because the panels are comprised of many
individual photovoltaic cells, these vessels can get damaged over time, which
can decrease the panels’ overall ability to harness and convert sunlight. Thus,
the solar panels require continual maintenance and upkeep.

We suggest getting
in touch with your trusty photovoltaic system technician. This person can check
the panels periodically to make sure that they are fully functioning. Rest assured,
however, that the panels should last for several decades.

Installing in an apartment block

While all of this might sound well and good, plenty of people today live in apartment buildings where installation might face unique
issues and obstacles. Luckily, the panels themselves do not discriminate as
long as they have access to direct sunlight.

Depending on your relationship
with your landlord and neighbours, the installation of a large solar panel
could be a collective expense that results in collective benefit. Alternatively,
an individual can always install a solar panel on their private terrace – the panels are available in many sizes. With the help of a professional, the electric current can
then be directed into your personal apartment for use.

Maintenance & sustainability

Lastly, it’s important to understand the maintenance requirements for the photovoltaic system. Luckily, not that much is required on
the part of the owner, save for the initiative to arrange a periodic inspection
with a technician. Once you’ve made the investment, you can reap the
benefits as long as the sun continues to shine. The electricity will be stored
until you use it, so you can be sure the energy is not only being harnessed but
that its use is maximised.

Of course, there are some noteworthy exceptions. Harsh
weather conditions, for instance, can cause damage to the photovoltaic cells. This
is one important reason to have the system routinely inspected.